Inside Fashion’s Biggest Designer Collaborations: From Fendace to IVY PARK

When Fashion Went Off-Script

We all know fashion moves fast. One minute it’s all about minimalism, the next it’s Barbie pink and sneakers with suits. But some of the biggest shifts in fashion over the past few years have come from unexpected pairings — the kind where high-end luxury brands team up with sportswear giants, pop icons, or even other designers.

From Gucci x Adidas to Balmain x Barbie, designer collabs have taken over — and no, it’s not just a “celebrity thing.” These drops shape trends, drive demand, and yes, even reach us here in South Africa.

You don’t have to own them to feel the impact. And it doesn’t hurt to know where the hype came from…

Designer Collaborations Everyone Still Talks About 

Launched in 2021 for Pre-Fall 2022, this was a luxury label “swap” — Kim Jones of Fendi designed for Versace, and Donatella Versace took on Fendi.

• Fendi FF logos + Versace Baroque prints

• Items ranged from R3,568 (socks) to R713,242 (metal mesh gowns)

• Dua Lipa's MFW runway moment generated over R23 million in media buzz 

Gucci x Adidas

A full-on culture clash — in the best way. This 2022 drop brought together Gucci’s vintage energy and Adidas’ sporty legacy.

• Gazelle sneakers, three-stripe track jackets, monogrammed everything

• Prices ranged from R4,300 to R76,860

• Brad Pitt and Harry Styles wore it. Everyone Googled it. 

Gucci x Balenciaga: The Hacking Project

A 2021 experiment in luxury crossover — logos, glitter, tailoring, and plenty of drama.

• Sparked the designer “hack” trend that made Fendace possible

• Think: statement everything 

Prada x Adidas

First launched in 2019 and brought back in 2022 with a sustainable twist.

• Bucket hats, tracksuits, sneakers made with recycled materials

• A clean, minimalist take that still packed punch 

Balmain x Barbie

Yes, this happened. Yes, it was pink. Yes, it was fabulous.

• Couture gowns, branded clutches, and Barbie-core reimagined

• Olivier Rousteing brought structure. Barbie brought attitude.

Manolo Blahnik x Birkenstock

Comfort met couture in 2022, and honestly, the world needed it.

• Velvet and leather Arizona sandals, crystal buckles

• For anyone who wants to wear their heels… as flats 

Adidas x Balenciaga

Launched at a 2022 runway show featuring Bella Hadid

• Structured hoodies, chunky sneakers, logo-heavy everything

• Generated over R130 million in media impact in just 10 days 

Adidas x IVY PARK (Beyoncé)

You’ve definitely seen it online.

• Oversized puffer jackets, bold activewear, and major street style energy

• One of Beyoncé’s biggest fashion wins — and yes, it came to SA

Puma x Rihanna (FENTY)

One of the most loved celeb collabs in SA — and for good reason.

• Creepers, slides, oversized hoodies

• Relaunched in 2023 with new drops already spotted online

H&M x Moschino / Balmain / Mugler

Not just hype overseas — these also landed in South Africa (select pieces).

• Moschino gave us cartoon chaos, Balmain brought red carpet looks, Mugler nailed power mesh

• Real fashion moments, made a little more accessible

Nike x Off-White (Virgil Abloh)

The collab that changed how we look at sneakers

• “The Ten” included Jordans, AF1s, and that signature zip-tie

• Still highly sought-after in SA’s sneaker circles

 Louis Vuitton x Supreme

Streetwear meets high fashion in the most talked-about collab of its time

• Trunks, hoodies, wallets — and resale prices that still shock

• Referenced in local music, seen on SA celebs, and 100% unforgettable

Reebok x Cardi B

Colourful, and full of personality — just like Cardi

• Sneakers and activewear with a glam twist

• Popular with younger shoppers and influencers in SA

Why Do These Collabs Matter?

They reach more people – Collabs break down the “designer-only” wall. More shoppers, more styles, more fun.

They fuel the hype – Celebs like Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, and Rihanna make fashion feel like a global conversation — and we’re part of it.

They shake things up – From recycled fabrics to pink power suits, collabs experiment in ways solo brands often don’t.

And yes — we get them too – We’ve seen Gucci x Adidas, IVY PARK, FENTY, even Balmain at local H&M stores. We may not be front row in Paris, but the fashion lands right here.

Final Thoughts

Not everyone’s chasing R200k gowns — and that’s okay. These collabs aren’t just about buying. They shape what shows up in stores, what trickles down into trends, and how we think about fashion.

At The Shopping Cart, we are all about style that feels fresh, fun, and fashion-forward. Whether it’s a pre-loved designer bag or a brand-new piece with serious edge, we make luxury feel a little more local.